Disclaimer: I do not own any characters from the Inuyasha universe.

Chapter One

Kagome didn't know why she was so nervous, she'd be in and out in twenty minutes, just like everyone else that had ever gone in. She'd sit in the chair, calm and collected, and walk out with her simple shoulder tattoo, the geometric symbols of the sun rising up on the horizon, letting the world know that she's destined to be a worker. Kagome picked nervously at the sleeves of her loosely-fitted, linen shirt, cornflower blue eyes glued to the dirt road.

You can do this, she told herself, just think about something else.

She shook her head and forced herself to look up on either side, surrounded by the same buildings she'd seen all her life. Small windowless houses, most built with wood but a few had some stone walls, bamboo mats covering doorways, some tied up to let in the fresh air; she knew from experience that while small and shanty looking on the outside, most were cozy and homey on the inside. Families forced to live together in two room houses, trying to make the best out of their situation, knowing their whole lives would be filled with work everyday until death.

It had only been fifty years since the demon takeover, but it had set society back what seemed like centuries. Gone was the world of technology and indoor plumbing. Now, it was dirt roads, cooking over a hearth, and carrying pails of water from the well. Kagome didn't know what the world had once been, she'd only learned about it, hearing stories from her grandpa about computers and airplanes; the only society she had ever known was going to "school" until you were eighteen and then you received your Fate Carving. The tattoo that would determine what job you were meant to contribute for the rest of your life. Kagome reached up to flick her long raven hair over her shoulder and glanced up at the clear blue sky. This was not how she wanted to spend her birthday, but this was how everyone spent their eighteenth. Well, how the humans did, anyway.

Kagome turned the corner and saw her destination at the end of the road, the only two story house in the community, built sturdier than the rest, with small luxuries like a real door and windows. There was a tall demon guard standing near the door, his chestnut hair tied back at the nape of his neck, and he was wearing the traditional, everyday guards uniform: a knee length red tunic under the multilayered leather strips that resembled a skirt with a small metal stud at the end of each one, and a simple leather breastplate with the Inu youkai house sigil etched on the front, he looked bored and ready for his day to be over with even though it was only a little after noon.

Kagome, slowing slightly, took a deep breath before stepping up to him, "H-Hello, I'm here to see Kaede for my assignment."

With an indifferent look on his face, grey eyes flicking over her, he gestured to the door, giving her permission to enter. "Just go in." His voice was higher pitched than she had expected and she couldn't help the small upturn at the corner of her mouth. She bit her lip to hide her amusement before ducking her head and opening the door.

Inside was faintly lit, the many candles atop every surface providing most of the light, as the sun was at the wrong point to shine through the precious windows, several tables lined a few of the walls piled with papers and various jars. The smell of burning incense was heavy in the air and caused Kagome to let out a stifled sneeze as she shut the door behind her.

"Bless you, child." Came a hoarse voice from deeper in the room.

Kagome squinted in its direction as her eyes began to adjust to the lack of light. Her eyes fell on a short, older woman, slightly hunched and plump from age. Her long, graying hair was tied back, and while she wore a shirt similar to Kagome's, her pants were long, baggy, and a bright red, almost covering her white-socked feet. Beside her stood another guard, similar to the one outside. "Come child, don't be frightened."

Kagome took a hesitant step forward before the guard's voice startled her, "We don't have all day." His voice, unlike the other guard, was deep and bellowing, echoing against the walls. With wide eyes, Kagome rushed forward to stand before the old woman.

"Lady Kaede, I am here to receive my assignment."

"Yes child, I assumed you were. Now," Kaede turned slightly to gesture towards the chair behind her, "have a seat and we'll get started."

Kagome took one glance at the guard before taking the few steps to the thinly padded chair and plopping herself into it. It was then she noticed the small stand next to the chair with the tools of Kaede's trade resting on top, and it surprised her. A small bottle of ink and what looked like a long wooden quill, but it had an ornate swirling pattern along the handle.

That's it? she thought before swallowing and looking up at Kaede, "Now what?" she asked.

Kaede sat in the simple chair to Kagome's right, taking her time to settle down into it, letting her bones adjust to the new position. "Alright, so what will happen is I'm going to prick your finger, and add a few drops of your blood to my ink. Each person is unique, and thus is each of their fates. Your blood is needed to call upon the telling of yours."

"Is there even any other fate other than a worker for one of us?" Kagome asked almost sarcastically.

Kaede let out a small, throaty chuckle, "Of course, child." She produced a small needle and Kagome wondered where it had come from. "Your finger?" Kaede held out a wrinkly hand to accept Kagome's small slender one.

As soon as their hands touched, Kaede's hand containing the needle was quick, almost a blur, jabbing Kagome's finger deep into the pad of her thumb. Kagome let out a startled yelp before her arm was jerked to the side as the drops of blood started to roll over her finger, splashing down into Kaede's ink pot. A few more drops spilled over the side before the ink flashed a bright turquoise for a moment before turning a dark rusty brown. Kaede produced a small handkerchief from her sleeve and handed it over to Kagome, releasing her captured hand.

Kagome dabbed at the end of her finger with the cloth, as Kaede picked up her odd-looking quill.

"Now, once I begin I will not be able to stop. I will be unaware of the world around us; if you speak to me, I will not hear you. It's imperative that you sit still. It won't hurt so that shouldn't be a problem, but should you feel the urge to move or bolt, that is what he," Kaede's head nodded towards the guard standing a few steps away, "is here for. Because of my trance, he will make sure you don't move or try to leave. He will hold you down if necessary. Understand?"

Kagome nodded with frightened eyes, sparing a glance for the guard.

"Good, no need to be alarmed; I just wanted you to be aware that that is the only reason he is here. There have been some in the past that have panicked in the middle of things and it was a bit messy." Kaede pushed Kagome gently on the shoulder, so she was fully leaning back against the chair. She pulled the knot of Kagome's shirt that was keeping it on her shoulders, allowing the material to slip down enough to expose the skin of her shoulders and chest, the shirt only being stopped by her breasts. "Now, deep breath and relax, close your eyes and I'm sure this will be over soon."

Kagome took a deep breath and as Kaede's quill touched the skin of her shoulder her chest and upper body filled with warmth, a light tingle going down her arm and across her chest. She hissed in a small breath, surprised at the feeling, turning her eyes to Kaede, and she gasped. Kaede's eyes were glassed over and completely white, her hand making quick, precise motions, carving Kagome's fate into her skin. Kagome leaned her head back, closed her eyes, and chewed her lip, trying not to think about how crazy this was.

Once she was past the initial shock of it all and calmed down, the feeling was almost soothing, warm and comforting, like a wonderful dream, enveloping her in a sense of security and contentment. Kagome was sure she had dozed off a time or two, feeling like hours had passed in a matter of moments before the guards voiced caused her eyes to shoot open. "What the hell?!"

Kagome looked around, alarmed, then noticed Kaede, standing, in her trance, still carving but on the opposite shoulder than the one she had started on. Glancing down she saw what the guard had been so alarmed about, her tattoo had started on one shoulder and was extended all the way across her chest, down between her breasts and to the other shoulder. A crescent moon, with tips pointing skyward adorned one shoulder, with a pattern of swirls and geometric shapes flowing around it that extended over her chest to, what looked like, an eye encompassed by a triangle right above where the valley of her breasts began, with swirls and dots leading further down. The swirls and geometric shapes continued across her chest to her other shoulder where Kaede was working on more swirls surrounding a few diamond shapes that looked like a scale.

Kagome was still gaping at the extent of the tattoos when Kaede let out a groan, eyes blinking quickly as they turned back to normal. Kaede moved a hand to the small of her back, trying to stand up straighter as her spine let out several small cracking sounds.

"I feel like I've been leaning over for hours, I must be getting old." She let out an exasperated sigh before looking over Kagome. Dumbfounded, Kaede's jaw dropped slightly. "Oracle." The whisper from the old woman's lips was barely audible but the guard's sharp, demon ears were able to pick it up.

"What the-" Was all the guard got out before he turned and bolted for the door, hardly slowing to throw it open before dashing away.

"WHAT IS HAPPENING?!" Kagome let out a panicked cry. "What's going on? Have I done something wrong? What does this mean? Where is he going? Wha-"

"Stay calm, child." Kaede spoke gently, laying a hand on Kagome's knee as she settled herself back into her seat. "I don't have much time to explain." She turned tired eyes to meet Kagome's alarmed ones. "You're an oracle."

"A wha-"

"Don't interrupt, there isn't much time before the guard is back with a dozen more to escort you to the palace. You're an oracle, which means that other than the two lords, you're the most important person in the city. Probably in most of the world. You have the power to see the future at times. This way of life will have its own burdens, but the first one will be that you won't be going home."

"Not going home? But I have to, my family is counting on me to-"

"You cannot go home, child. You're too important. You'll be a most valuable tool, therefore you'll be confined to a life in the palace. Oracle is your position, your title. There hasn't been an oracle known to the world for many centuries. But, listen to me child, you have two-"

Before Kaede could finish speaking the sound of the incoming soldiers rattled through the home, like a stampede crashing through the streets. She stood, helping Kagome to pull her shirt back up and tie it into place. "Child, if you have an opportunity to come speak to me again I will help you understand." Kaede whispered, harsh and hurried into Kagome's ear.

Moments later, before Kagome could respond there were several guards, including the one who had run off standing in the small room, all watching them expectantly.

"Come child." Kaede stood before reaching to help Kagome to her feet. "You must go with them now."

The guards formed a tight circle around her as she stepped outside the house, causing Kagome to tense, growing even more nervous. One guard was standing inside the circle, a head shorter than Kagome, only reaching to her shoulder. He had bright orange hair tied up with a blue ribbon, and a distinct, matching bushy tail sticking out from in between the leather strips of the skirt. He placed a hand on the small of Kagome's back, gently guiding her in the proper direction down the street towards The Arch. Though she was still nervous, the hand radiated a comforting warmth that seemed to ease her nerves a bit.

They traveled the streets in silence. Kagome bit her lip, fighting the anxiety that was beginning to form again as The Arch came into view. She slowed as they approached, before coming to a complete stop when they reached the edge of the archway. She looked up, studying the wall that divided the city, beautiful, smooth, giant sand-colored stones, each the size of half of one of the houses in the city. The archway was a bit deeper than usual, almost tunnel like. It was then as she looked through to the other side that a strong breeze came through the tunnel, whisking Kagome's hair back, and bringing cherry blossom petals pelting against the group. She closed her eyes, enjoying the refreshing coolness the wind brought to her warm skin, and the wonderful aroma the petals delivered.

"Something wrong?" The guard that stood next to her inquired as he looked up, studying her face, and dropping his hand from her back.

Opening her eyes, Kagome looked to him, managing a weak half smile, "I've never been past this wall. This enclosure is the only city-" She paused, correcting herself. "Thing I've ever known. I've never even seen the other side."

The orange haired guard gave her a reassuring smile, "It'll be ok. It's nice over there, you'll love it. And, I'll be right here the whole time."

Kagome wasn't sure why, but his words held a sincerity that gave her comfort.

"Ok," she whispered, turning back to The Arch. When the guard returned his hand to the small of her back, she began to move forward again.

As the group emerged on the other side of the wall, Kagome let out a sharp gasp, taking in the sight. Rows and rows of cherry blossom trees lined either side of the wide, herringbone-patterned, stone street, the bricks a stunning shade of maroon.

"Oh, wow," she whispered, mesmerized, the petals still dancing in the breeze. "It's so gorgeous and amazing."

"Yeah, well. The reason they are here is not quite so amazing." The guard spoke sourly. Furrowing his brows he pressed her to move again.

"What do you mean? Aren't they here for aesthetic purposes?" Kagome questioned, glancing at him.

"Weeeeeell…" The guard seemed hesitant to answer. He appeared to mull it over for a moment before responding again. "You see, demons, well most of the demons here, have a sensitive sense of smell. And well, when we took over, most of them complained. About the smell of dirty humans wafting into their part of the city. It didn't make sense to move the humans further away, so instead, they planted all these trees at the only entrance into the human section, to help dampen the scents..." The guard trailed off and looked away, ashamed.

"Oh." Kagome felt bile rise up in her throat. "That's awful."

"Yeah, like I said, not so amazing. Just another constant reminder that demons think they're so much better than humans, nevermind the fact that we've already pretty much enslaved them." This response earned the orange haired guard several glares from the others.

The demon's housing was vastly more elegant and well crafted than those the humans were forced into. The houses, if they could even be called that, they were more like mansions, all constructed with large stones, each painted white. Kagome saw more windows than she had ever seen total in her life on just one of the mansions. Flowers lined the streets that connected each property, cherry blossom trees scattered throughout. The manors seemed to be grouped together, about four per group, leaving ample room for each to have a large patch of grass in the back. Kagome shook her head, amazed at all the beautiful color, even the green of the grass was striking, but she found herself grinding her teeth despite her amazement.

How dare they live in such luxury while we scrape by, just trying to survive another day. Tears of anger filled her eyes, and she dashed at them with her sleeve.

Kagome spotted the palace well before they reached it, and it took her breath away. It was tucked into a group of buildings that looked more like official establishments than homes; she could only assume what type of business took place in them. The palace was made of a stunning, smooth, white limestone, and only two or three stories high. The outside of the whole first level was filled with archway after archway, one right after another, leading to what looked like a covered walkway, a few iron benches with beautifully twisted metal evenly spaced along it. The second story looked like it also had an outdoor walkway with a spiraling metal railing, matching the benches. Large pillars held up the roof, stretching up high, leading her to believe there was indeed a third story. The main entrance to the palace protruded out, gorgeous, polished marble making up the steps, forming a wide half circle, and two long red banners bearing the Inu youkai house sigil displayed on either side.

"I-I'm going to live in t-there?" Kagome managed to get the words out, though only in a hushed, awe-filled whisper.

"Of course, Oracle." The guard chuckled. "With your newfound title and abilities, you'll be working closely with the lords. You'll surely be needed for our upcoming battles."

Kagome snapped her head towards him, shocked. "Battles?!" She knew that there were other demon-ruled cities out there, obviously, since demons now ruled over all of the humans, but the fact that they were fighting…

What could they possibly be battling over? Land? Maybe they want each other's humans for more work… Her thoughts drifted to all the things she didn't yet know about the world.

The guard ignored her startled outburst, instead giving her a sad smile, and began leading them towards the palace entrance.

The echo of the guards' synchronized steps rang loud in Kagome's ears as they ascended the marble steps, her nerves peaking as she felt a chill run up her spine. She swallowed the lump in her throat as the group passed through the already open, double doors made of thick walnut, a wonderful deep chocolate shade, with long ornate strap hinges adorning the edges.

The entrance hall was large, wide slate slabs made up the flooring, and there were breath-taking double staircases leading up to the second floor. Standing alone, waiting for the group was a young girl, her dirty blonde hair cut short, just below her ears, and her bright jade colored eyes watched them expectantly. Kagome suspected she couldn't have been much older than twelve. As the group approached the girl and came to a stop, she bowed slightly. "Oracle, so glad you arrived safely. If you would, follow me." With that, the girl straightened, turned about, and began walking, not looking back.

All but the orange haired guard and two others dispersed leaving the entrance hall, going back to their normal business. The friendly guard urged Kagome forward, following along behind the young girl leading the way.

"Where are we going?" Kagome asked timidly, glancing around as they turned to go down the hallway that was tucked behind the stairs. The hallway was somewhat small and was dimly lit by lanterns bolted to the walls, small wax candles flickering inside. Must be a servant's passage.

"We are going to get you ready, Oracle." The girl glanced at Kagome, never slowing stride, but a slight confusion showing on her face, as if she was stating the obvious.

Kagome turned to the girl, her brows furrowing together. "Ready for what? Everything is happening so fast, I don't understand." She felt the sting of tears beginning to form, she blinked quickly urging them to go away.

"We are going to get you ready, Oracle." The girl repeated. "You need to be cleaned and dressed so that you may be presented to the lords. They do not like to be kept waiting." The girl faced forward once more, pressing on with a newfound vigor, as if remembering that the lords were waiting had lit a fire under her.

They reached the end of the passage, and turned right down a more proper hallway, lit by many large windows and a bright red rug lining the entire length of the hall. After they passed a few doors, the girl stopped before it, turning to Kagome. "I shall be departing now, Oracle." The young girl turned the handle and swung the door open, bowing slightly she spoke again. "There are others waiting to assist you inside."

"You must go in alone." Spoke the guard, he gave her a light shove towards the door.

"W-wait." Kagome turned to face him, taking his hand in her own. "Please." She hesitated. "You've been so kind. Can I have your name?" She turned her eyes to the floor, her courage faltering.

The guard chuckled, "Shippo." He dropped her hand, moving his palms to her shoulders, turning her to face the door again. "Now, go. The lords are impatient and you have much preparation ahead of you. I'll see you again later."

Kagome glanced behind her at Shippo, and he gave her a gentle smile. She took a deep breath and turned back, walking through the door.

Inside, several servants bustled about. Several chairs were piled high with different fabrics. A large pool was in the center of the giant room, lavender floating on the surface of the water and steam rising into the air. Standing near the door, in front of the group was a woman with long, onyx colored hair and bangs cut straight across. She wore a deep purple robe, and her head was slightly bowed.

"Welcome, Oracle." The woman closed the door behind Kagome as she cleared the doorway.

She took Kagome's arms and led her further into the room, "My name is Sango, I'm going to be your personal handmaid. I'll be there for you always, helping to dress and anything else you might need in your day-to-day activities." Sango stepped in front of Kagome, giving her a smile. "Now this part may be unpleasant but it's something you'll get used to, and we have a few extra hands today to speed this process along. I'm sure you've heard that the lords do not like to be kept waiting and we have a lot to do." As soon as Sango finished speaking, two other women came over and began trying to take Kagome's clothes off.

"Wha-! H-Hey what are you doing?!" Kagome demanded, firmly holding the edge of her shirt down, giving an exasperated look toward Sango.

"Don't resist. You will strip and get into the water; these ladies will wash you then we can move on to your hair and clothing." Sango sighed and rolled her eyes.

The women tugged on Kagome's clothes a little more forcefully. "Please don't make me get a guard in here to help; that would be totally embarrassing, much more for you I'm sure." Sango leaned forward to whisper to Kagome.

Kagome immediately let go of her hold on her shirt, and the women quickly finished stripping her. She stood there completely nude, face beet red, and just about ran to the pool, splashing in. She let out a startled gasp at the unexpected high heat of the water, and before she could blink, the two women that had deprived Kagome of her clothing were climbing into the pool, fully clothed.

"What are you doing?!" Kagome shrieked, her voice cracking at her overwhelming humiliation.

One of the women grabbed a jar from the edge of the pool and began to slather the sweet perfumed goop into her hair, massaging it onto her scalp. The other took a scrubbing brush from the pool's edge and some of the goop in her other hand, and began vigorously scrubbing at Kagome's arms.

"I am perfectly capable of washing myself, thank you!" Kagome, blushing furiously, exclaimed before her head was pulled back and she was dunked under the water, hands still scrubbing at her hair, presumably washing the stuff out. She burst to the surface, gasping for air.

"Sorry, we are very short on time." Sango spoke from the edge of the pool with a smirk on her lips.

Kagome glared at her before flicking some water from her fingers at the woman.

Five minutes later, red skinned and thoroughly feeling violated at having every inch of herself scrubbed at by strangers, Kagome emerged from the pool. Two other women came over and began toweling her dry, and a third came and began taking her measurements. Kagome turned confused eyes to Sango.

"She's measuring you for clothing. You will have a full wardrobe created for you. Most of it should be ready by tomorrow. Till then, we will find an outfit that fits you suitably enough." Sango explained.

After her body dried, the woman dropped the towel and began bringing over handfuls of dresses, holding up one after another in front of Kagome, throwing each one to the side after a shake of the head from Sango. Finally, Sango hesitated at one.

"Yup, that's it." The woman who had been toweling Kagome's hair threw her towel to the side and went to fetch the brush.

Kagome was thrusted into a dress and as soon as it was pulled over her head the woman who had been measuring her came over with a tray of jars. The woman opened one jar and began dusting Kagome's face with an unscented powder. Kagome felt knots and snags being torn from her hair and tried to hold her head steady.

"Eyes closed." The woman who had been dusting Kagome's face was now holding what looked like a stick of charcoal close to Kagome's eyes. Kagome quickly closed her lids, and felt a gentle sweeping across themand past the corners in an upward motion. "Ok." The woman spoke again before coming at her face once more, this time with wax on her fingers that she dabbed across her lips, giving them a light shine. The woman smiled before stepping back and gathering up her tray and heading off.

Sango stepped up and snapped a gold bangle onto Kagome's upper arm, then slipped a handful of slim, gold rings onto the opposite wrist. She looked up into Kagome's eyes before reaching her hand out to touch the eye on Kagome's chest.

"It's really amazing, you know. An Oracle. I've never even heard of one existing. You're truly special." She mumbled before stepping back and looking Kagome over. "I think you're ready, would you like to take a look?" Sango gestured to a full length mirror that was tucked into the corner of the room. Kagome hadn't even noticed it.

She nodded. Walking over to the mirror, she froze at what she saw. Is that me? I don't even look like myself. "It's beautiful." She smoothed her hand over the white, silk dress; it was soft beneath her fingers, softer than anything she had ever felt before. "But don't you think it's a little revealing?" Kagome gestured to the deep plunge of the dress that exposed the valley of her breasts, and her bare arms.

Sango laughed, "No! It shows off your oracle carving, and is something you'll need to get used to as well. The lords will want that front and center at all times. They won't let anyone forget for a second that they control an oracle."

"Control." Kagome whispered to herself, hating that word. She took in the rest of her appearance, the makeup was light, the black across her lids had been swept out to look like little wings at the sides of her eyes, her raven hair had been dried and brushed, falling into lovely waves that swept down her exposed back. The white, silk dress had a gold clasp at each shoulder, and a slit that went down her mid thigh.

"Alright, we must be going. They will be waiting." Sango stated, motioning towards the door.

"What about shoes?" Kagome questioned.

Sango smiled, "Apparently it's tradition for an oracle to be barefoot. I hope you have tough feet, though you probably will be inside most of the time. Either way, I'll help you soak them later."

Kagome took one last glance in the mirror, this isn't me! She turned and followed Sango to the door.

Sango led the way down the hallway, followed by Kagome and Shippo, with another guard trailing behind. Three turns later, and deeper into the palace, they all halted in front of two grand doors, their height reaching the ceiling with intricate designs on their surface. Sango took hold of Kagome's shoulders, looking her in the eye. "Are you ready?"

"I-" Kagome glanced up at the tall doors. "I'm not sure I can do this." She looked back to Sango, panic on her face.

"You'll be fine, I'll be there, and Shippo too." Sango nodded towards him.

"Yup!" Shippo exclaimed, a grin on his face.

"Not that you have much of a choice anyway," Sango chuckled. "They already know you're here."

"Wha-"

"Dog demons, Oracle. They can smell you, not to mention hear everything we are saying."

"So, escort her in." Came a deep voice from behind the door, inside the chamber.

Sango smiled at her before turning and throwing open the double doors. She stepped back, allowing Kagome to enter into the chamber.